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If you’re a devoted television fan like me, then I’m sure you have heard of the Netflix show, 13 Reasons Why. Last year I spent an entire day binge-watching the first season and I have to say that it had me laughing, crying, and shocked more than I thought possible. I do recommend that you read the warnings before each episode, as some of the content can be emotionally disturbing. Having said that, the characters on this show are so real and it’s hard not to connect to their stories and dive into their world. Our hearts break for some characters and we find ourselves angry at others, but we learn that “everyone affects everyone” in some way or another and it’s up to us to decide how we are going to behave and who we are going to become in the process. It may be difficult to step out of a label or an expectation, but doing the right thing and supporting the people around us is so much more important. While season 1 focuses primarily on Hannah Baker’s story,season 2 gives us the chance to see what happened from other perspectives, as unlikely heroes emerge and second chances are presented. Please note major spoilers are ahead. My top 13 reasons to check out 13 Reasons Why season 2 are:

13

Clay gets a tattoo.

In the beginning of season 2, Clay is still with Skye and we learn that it has been 5 months since Hannah committed suicide. Clay decides to get a semicolon tattoo, but ends up passing out. As a result, he has a “fucking comma.” Skye has emotional problems of her own and ends up moving away, but is an important influence on Clay’s life. At the end of the season, Clay returns to finish the tattoo. The semicolon symbol is important, representing another way to continue a sentence, rather than end it simply with a period. This can be true about a sentence, a story, and about one’s life. Selena Gomez and several of the actors on 13 Reasons Why have gotten the same tattoo and have discussed its message and significance. The tattoo marks the beginning of Clay’s new journey, as he tries to deal with his life without Hannah. No one said it would be easy, but Clay is ready to move on.

12

“There’s always another side to every story.”

Part of what makes season 2 so great is that we get to see what happened from different perspectives. In season 1, everything we learned was mostly through Hannah’s eyes. However, season 2 allows us to explore more of that story and understand how her suicide has truly impacted those around her. For example, we learn that Zach actually had a summer romance with Hannah and had real and true feelings for her.

11

Clay is still seeing Hannah.

It’s hard not to root for Clay and want the very best for him. Clay’s world is still falling apart, even though he has tried to move on. He begins seeing Hannah and even has full conversations with her throughout season 2. Clay clearly understands that Hannah is gone, but his loneliness is sometimes too much to handle and it seems to bring him some sort of comfort to talk out loud to her. While this allows us to see more of Hannah Baker, the real emphasis here is on Clay and him trying to make sense of his life and figure out a healthy way to move on and still get justice for Hannah.

10

“Feeling the pain and facing it. That takes courage.”

Hannah’s mother, Mrs. Baker is dealing with quite a lot. Her daughter is gone, her husband is filing for divorce, and she is consumed by the trial against the school. It’s difficult to sit through the trial as some witnesses tell a truth that is difficult to hear, while others completely lie. Later on we learn that Hannah was responsible for bullying a girl at her old school. Hannah wasn’t perfect, but Mrs. Baker’s love for her is unconditional and like Clay, she desperately wants justice for her daughter. Mrs. Baker does have a second chance to make things right, as she becomes an important influence for both Jessica and Alex. While Mrs. Baker may not have been able to save Hannah, she has the opportunity here to make a real difference with two kids in pain.

9

Alex puts the pieces back together.

At the end of season 1, Alex shot himself in the head, but did survive. It’s difficult for him to walk and he has lost huge chunks of his memory, but he is determined to put the pieces back together. He even listens to the tapes again, which eventually Clay leaks out to everyone anonymously so that they can learn what truly happened. In episode 11, a huge fight breaks out and Alex begins to remember things, like Monty’s part in all of this. He refuses to sit by on the sidelines and becomes a character you can truly relate to.

8

“Love as infinity.”

In one of my favorite moments of season 2, Clay and Hannah are lying on the floor and looking up at the ceiling. They discuss the concept of infinity and how to understand it and Hannah suggests that “maybe that’s how we understand it. Love that goes on forever.” In this moment, it’s like the entire world has stopped and it’s just Clay and Hannah. Clay’s love for Hannah is beautiful and transcendent. This is a memory he can always hold on to forever, suggesting that her words are actually spot on.

7

Unlikely heroes step forward.

Characters like Mr. Porter, Justin, and Zach all get second chances in season 2. Mr. Porter breaks down in court and even though he did everything he could according to policy, he feels like he could have done more. He ultimately loses his job, but his words are important and he tries to make a difference in as many lives as he can. While he feels like he let Hannah down, he has a second chance to make it right. Justin has been living on the streets and Clay finds him and lets him stay at his house secretly. Justin has an addiction to heroin and has been dealing with quite a lot, but he is able to do the right thing and tell the court and the police what he saw Bryce do to Jessica. While Justin has consequences of his own because of his involvement, he is willing to do the right thing and become someone to be proud of. When Clay tells Justin that his family wants to adopt him, it looks like he can finally get the second chance he deserves. Now he just needs to kick that nasty drug habit. Zach is another character who becomes an unlikely hero. Even when he was with Hannah, he was a coward and allowed Bryce and the others to make fun of her. Zach finally breaks out of this and stands against Bryce. In the huge fight in episode 11, he finally picks a side. Zach is an important character because he reminds us that sometimes it’s easier to do nothing and stay quiet, but taking a stand takes real courage and can shape us into who we are meant to be.

6

“Some people will still blame others.”

While many of the characters are trying to pick up the pieces and move on, poor Tyler is having a rough go at it. While it’s easy to dislike Bryce who refuses to believe that he is wrong, a character like Monty can be even more dangerous. Monty’s actions are cruel and disturbing. In a graphic sexual assault, Monty does the unthinkable to Tyler. The rape scene in the bathroom is extremely difficult to watch. Tyler is traumatized and is looking to take revenge against his classmates as a result of this. Even though unlikely heroes have emerged, there are still bullies and villains present, refusing to take a hard look in the mirror to see what they have done. Bryce and Monty have destroyed lives with their actions. But will they ever truly try to make amends?

5

Justice for Jessica.

Jessica is having a very difficult time coping and is unable to name Bryce throughout most of season 2. After Justin comes forward, Jessica is able to finally file a police report. Even though Bryce gets off with 3 months probation, she no longer needs to hide from the truth. Jessica learns how to live her life without being defined by something that happened to her and to step forward for those who can’t. For example, Chloe has the opportunity to speak out against Bryce and can’t go through with it. However, Chloe has another problem to deal with, as she confides in Jessica that she is pregnant. Jessica is also able to get justice for Hannah in this moment as well, who never got the chance to speak out against Bryce. Even though the trial ends with ruling in favor of the school, what happened to Hannah is not to be forgotten. Jessica’s justice is also extremely important.

4

“I can love you and still let you go.”

Earlier in season 2, Skye leaves and says these words to Clay. They are beautiful and meaningful and later when Clay speaks at Hannah’s service, he applies them to his love for Hannah. The service allows everyone to finally say goodbye to Hannah and cherish her memory. Clay’s eulogy is so real and heartbreaking. While he will never forget Hannah, he is ready to move on with his life.

3

“The Night we Met.”

In the season 2 finale, Clay and everyone are at the school dance. “The Night we Met” song comes on again, which is the song he danced with Hannah to. Clay’s emotions begin overwhelming him and Tony immediately goes to find him when he hears the song. In a beautiful moment, Tony and all of his friends surround Clay and sway back and forth to the music. All of these characters have come together to be there for Clay. He is no longer alone and these characters are now linked forever. In season 1, they were all brought together by terrible secrets, but in season 2 they are brought together to honor Hannah and to support each other no matter what comes their way.

2

“What do we do? Do we look the other way or do we help them?”

When Clay discovers that Tyler is on his way to the school with an assault rifle, everyone suggests that they call the police and get out of there. Clay refuses to run away, however. He knows that Hannah would want him to step in and help. It’s never too late and Clay risks his life trying to tell Tyler this. Tony gets Tyler out of there in the nick of time, while Clay is left standing outside holding the gun. In this moment, Clay is beyond courageous, but he has a lot to explain once the police show up.

1

“But no matter how many reasons there might be why, there are always more why not.”

This is probably the most significant moment for me. Mrs. Baker finds Hannah’s list of reasons and discovers that she made a list of reasons why not. Clay and “Helmet” are on there, which reveals how important he truly was to Hannah. Mrs. Baker tries to tell him that she left so many reasons out and that there are always more reasons why not, reminding us that living is what’s important. Clay and the other characters are ready to finally start living. The tragic moments are always going to happen and we can’t always control that, but we can control what we do afterwards. It’s what makes us who we are;who we can still become.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughtson 13 Reasons Whyin the comments section below. Thanks for reading and happy viewing!

Happy Monday TV fans! After watching AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead season 4 episode 5, I learned that repeating the same routine over and over can slowly kill you. You may not realize it right away, but it will eat away at you, stirring the loneliness within. We all need purpose and meaning in our lives and that’s exactly what John Dorie gets when he finds his “Laura” wash up on shore. Quiet nights of playing Scrabble and watching old movies transform into real and true moments, building a relationship and a love for someone else that make the loneliness fade away. But what happens when that person leaves? Will that feeling ever return or will we spend our lives trying to hold on to it while we close ourselves off to the rest of the world? Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet. In last night’s episode, “Laura,” John Dorie opens up to Morgan and we get a much needed glimpse into his past with Naomi, otherwise known as “Laura.” The episode has a calming quiet about it, as we invest ourselves into John’s life and truly empathize with him after Laura leaves, giving us a better understanding of this new character. My top 5 moments from Fear the Walking Dead season 4 episode 5 are:

5

Rinse and Repeat.

In the beginning of the episode, we get a glimpse into John Dorie’s past and spend each lonely day with him. Every morning he wakes up to his singing fish alarm clock and sighs in bed, anticipating that there will not be much different from the day before. He makes himself some breakfast and sits out on his porch, taking in the view of the river and the beautiful landscape surrounding his home. Every now and then a walker washes up on shore and John eliminates the threat, as if he were handling a common pest problem. The day leads up to a solitary game of Scrabble and a re-watch of an old movie with some popcorn. While John is clearly living the simple life, the monotony and repetition doesn’t leave much to look forward to. Everything changes, however; when John finds a woman who washes up on shore. We immediately see that it is Naomi and she is badly injured. John doesn’t hesitate to bring her into his home and to save her life, letting down his guard in the process.

4

“You look like a Laura.”

After John helps Laura with her wound, he can tell that she is hesitant about revealing too much to a stranger. He is the perfect gentlemen and offers to sleep on the couch and decides to call her “Laura” until she is comfortable with telling him her real name. He strikes up a conversation about soup and admits to her that “it’s been a while since I had company.” It’s clear from the moment that John meets Laura that there is a spark between these two. John tends to wear his heart on his sleeve while Laura has her guard up. She initially goes through John’s place and tries to take off in his car, but he calmly tells her that all she needs to do is ask, revealing his good nature and open heart. Laura is still on edge with John, but seems to be warming up to him, slowly letting her guard down now as well.

3

John teaches Laura how to fish.

After going on a run to the local store, Laura asks John to teach her how to fish, recognizing the importance of knowing how to utilize the resources of the river. The two go out every day and are getting closer and closer. John reveals to Laura that “Tuesday is movie night” and she even starts to watch some films with him and play Scrabble, keeping him company and making the days that much more fulfilling. Laura agrees to help John push a car in front of the opening to the river to help keep the walkers away from his property, but is shocked when John refuses to pull a gun on the walker that gets into the car. It’s clear that John is haunted by something in his past, but is not ready to deal with it just yet.

2

“Doesn’t matter how many people tell you it’s not your fault. It only matters if you believe it.”

Laura reveals to John that she lost a child and bursts into tears. John gives her space but it is the first real time we see Laura truly opening up to John. She is not the only one who needs to get something off her chest, however; as John tells her the story about him being a cop and firing his gun at a robber accidentally. He tells her that it was an “intentional mistake” and was horrified when people referred to him as a hero. In this moment, it’s clear how much these two truly need each other. They have both been carrying around this guilt, unable to shake it. While Laura runs away from her guilt at every chance she gets, John stays hidden away from people. In this moment, they stop running and they stop hiding, as their worlds collide and they take some comfort in knowing that they can share their pain with the other. While John is ready to stop hiding, it seems that Laura has not been able to completely face her demons just yet.

1

“You may not think you’re a hero but I do.”

Although this episode is filled with an unnatural quiet, the walkers finally get through the car and make their way to John’s home. Laura and John are surrounded, as they desperately try to hold off the walkers. When Laura falls into a ditch, John has no other choice and fires off both of his guns, showing off some impressive shooting. He saves Laura and he tells her that he loves her. He gives her the other gun because he wants her to be safe and because he is afraid of what will happen if he keeps it. When John reveals his love he explains that he didn’t want her to know because he knows deep down that she is just going to leave. In a heartbreaking moment, John tells her “you’re alive. This whole world feels alive,” revealing the hope that Laura has given him. Laura does end up leaving, but leaves behind a message with Scrabble letters: I love you too. I’m sorry. While Laura clearly does love John, she is still running from her past and is unable to slow down for even a moment. After this scene, we come back to present day where John is sitting with Morgan. He breaks down and wonders what would have happened if he didn’t tell her he loved her right away and that perhaps she would still be alive. Morgan consoles him and says “waiting…that’s how you lose people.” He reminds John that they are part of the world and that they have a real chance to make a difference with Alicia, Victor, and Luciana. Like John, Morgan has been running away from his own inner demons, but now consciously makes the decision to stand by someone and to do something. Real connections are what keep us going and even though Laura may be gone, the love John has for her is something transcendent. Laura reminded John what it was like to truly be alive again and by sharing this story with Morgan, he does the same thing for him. We may not seek out connections with other people, but sometimes they show up unexpectedly at our doorstep and it’s up to us to decide what happens next. Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on Fear the Walking Dead in the comments section below. Happy viewing!

Happy Wednesday TV fans! “May we meet again.” I am beyond excited for the return of one of my absolute favorite shows on television right now: The 100. While the CW typically has The 100 premiere mid-season, it seemed like we had to wait extra long this year for the season premiere, but the wait is finally over. If you have not yet watched this brilliant and addicting show, I highly recommend that you binge-watch it on Netflix as soon as possible. It’s reminds me of a mix betweenLostand Lord of the Flies with some teen angst and drama sprinkled in. At the end of season 4, “Praimfaya” was about to arrive, which is otherwise known as the “Death Wave.” While many of our favorite characters made it to an underground bunker for shelter, Clarke and her friends were running out of time and hatched a plan to launch themselves back into space. Only Clarke was not able to get on the rocket in time and it launched without her. While it seemed like Clarke had sacrificed herself to save her friends and was about to die from radiation exposure, the night blood injected into her veins kicked into high gear, healing her from the damage.

So now that you’re all caught up, let’s begin with season 5. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet. In last night’s season premiere episode, “Eden,” we learn about Clarke’s journey on her own beginning 42 days after “Praimfaya” has struck. Clarke is alone and desperately trying to survive, but it seems like the odds are against her. After failing to reach her mother in the bunker, Clarke decides to try and find some sort of life still existing, but her faith is tested over and over again. Meanwhile, Bellamy and the others have been living on “The Ark” up in space, but have been trying to get back to earth and realize that they are not alone up there after spotting another ship. My top 5 moments from The 100 season 5 episode 1 are:

5

“I’ve been by myself now for two months but this is the first time I feel alone.”

42 days after “Praimfaya” struck, we finally get to see Clarke who has miraculously survived. Her first thought is to try and reach the bunker so she can be reunited with her mother, but she finds that it is buried so far beneath the surface, that she would never be able to get to it. Clarke decides to journey out across the earth, desperately hoping to find some sign of life still present. Clarke is barely able to rest, as every moment is focused on surviving. Clarke proves to be very resourceful as her survival skills are put to the test, but the loneliness and emptiness inside her begins to creep in. Clarke tries talking to Bellamy and her friends on “The Ark” on a radio, knowing full well that they will never hear her, but it’s the only thing she has left to cling to.

4

“Who am I now?”

Clarke begins to lose hope after she collapses in a barren field, waking up to a bird picking at her body. She begs the bird to show her where it lives, but it flies away from her, leaving her alone once again. Clarke hits her breaking point and screams out, “You think you can kill me? Have at it…I’ve lost everything. I’ve got nothing left.” Up until this point, Clarke has buried her fear and loneliness as much as possible, but it has all come screaming to the surface now, refusing to let go. Clarke’s emotions overwhelm her, as the harsh reality that she may die alone sets in. Clarke picks up her gun and begins to make the conscious decision to end her life and this misery, when the bird suddenly circles around her again. Clarke’s faith is healed, even if just for a moment, but it’s enough to get her up and running after it. Clarke discovers a beautiful valley filled with lush trees and vegetation. It’s like the “Death Wave” had missed it entirely. Clarke thanks the bird and then mechanically kills it, as the survivor in her is back and ready to stay strong.

3

Life on “The Ark.”

About 6 years after “Praimfaya,” we finally get to see Bellamy and the others up on “The Ark.” While it seems like everyone is alive and well, drama is never too far behind. After all, these few characters have been trapped with one another for quite some time. We learn that Murphy and Emori are no longer together and Bellamy is now with Echo, which has Bellarke fans everywhere screaming with disapproval. That absolutely includes me. While many things have changed, these characters have worked together as a team as much as possible and spot the green on the earth, which inspires the hope that it is survivable once again. After they spot another ship and a transport ship, they realize that they have the opportunity to get back down to earth. While we know that it’s only a matter of time before they reach earth again and reunite with Clarke, they have been living in a bubble for quite some time now, sheltered from society. Will they be able to adapt to life on earth again? How will Bellamy react once he sees that Clarke is alive?

2

The last two people on earth.

After discovering the valley, Clarke finds another survivor. She is just a child, but has clearly only survived because of her own night blood. The girl doesn’t trust Clarke and she traps her and wounds her, fleeing from her in fear. Clarke doesn’t give up on her, however; and even keeps her sense of humor intact when she says, “Last two people on earth and one of them happens to be the child from hell.” Clarke sketches a picture of the little girl and leaves it for her, which is the first step toward gaining her trust. When we flash to 6 years later, Clarke is living with the little girl, Madi and the two are inseparable. They have a mother-daughter like bond and Clarke has even taught her how to speak in English. While they wonder if anyone will ever come back, Clarke shares all of her past stories with Madi and tells her about her family, friends, and love. The two appear to have a precious and beautiful bond that cannot be broken. Their simple and quiet life is interrupted, however; when a “prisoner ship” lands by the valley.

1

New arrivals to earth.

After the prisoner ship lands, new characters emerge who also spotted the green from space and took a chance that it was their own version of “Eden.” One of the new characters is played by the beautiful and brilliant Ivana Milicevic from Banshee. While the other prisoners seem to be just going with the flow, she appears to be smart and aware of her surroundings, which could make her an ally or a dangerous new threat. Friend or foe? While we are not sure just yet, Clarke is not about to take any chances. After Madi shoots one of the prisoners to protect Clarke, Madi begs Clarke to spare the other one’s life since he tried to help her. Clarke tells her that “there are no good guys” and ends his life without a moment’s hesitation. Meanwhile, we get a quick glimpse at Octavia in the bunker, ruling some kind of underground fight club, which reminds us that these new prisoners are not the only people on the ground that Clarke needs to worry about. While we will need to wait for everyone to be reunited, it’s clear that this season will be jam-packed with drama, adventure, and edge of your seat moments. Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The 100 in the comments section below. Happy viewing!